Wikipedia

Yoel Romero

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Romero and the second or maternal family name is Palacio.

Yoel Romero Palacio (born April 30, 1977) is a Cuban professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler.[4] He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division for Bellator MMA.[5] Romero formerly competed in the Middleweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and was a challenger for the UFC Middleweight Championship.[6]

Yoel Romero
Romero in 2008
BornYoel Romero Palacio
(1977-04-30) April 30, 1977 (age 47)[1]
Pinar del Río, Cuba
Other namesSoldier of God
ResidenceMiami, Florida, U.S.
NationalityCuban
American
Height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
DivisionLight heavyweight
(2009–2011, 2021–present)
Middleweight
(2013–2020)
Reach73 in (185 cm)[2]
StyleWrestling
Fighting out ofCoconut Creek, Florida, U.S.
TeamAmerican Top Team
WrestlingOlympic Freestyle Wrestling[3]
Years active2009–present (MMA)
1997–2005, 2007 (freestyle wrestling)
Mixed martial arts record
Total23
Wins16
By knockout13
By decision3
Losses7
By knockout1
By decision6
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Men's freestyle wrestling
Representing  Cuba
Event 1st 2nd 3rd
Olympic Games - 1 -
World Championships 1 2 2
World Cup 3 2 1
Pan American Games 1 - 1
Pan American Championships 5 - -
Total 10 5 4
Olympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2000 Sydney 85 kg
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1999 Ankara 85 kg
Silver medal – second place 2002 Tehran 84 kg
Silver medal – second place 2005 Budapest 84 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1998 Tehran 85 kg
Bronze medal – third place 2001 Sofia 85 kg
World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1998 Stillwater 85 kg
Gold medal – first place 2000 Fairfax 85 kg
Gold medal – first place 2005 Tashkent 84 kg
Silver medal – second place 1999 Spokane 85 kg
Silver medal – second place 2004 Baku 84 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1997 Stillwater 85 kg
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2003 Santo Domingo 84 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1999 Winnipeg 85 kg
Pan American Championships
Gold medal – first place 1998 Winnipeg 85 kg
Gold medal – first place 2001 Santo Domingo 85 kg
Gold medal – first place 2002 Maracaibo 84 kg
Gold medal – first place 2004 Guatemala City 96 kg
Gold medal – first place 2007 San Salvador 84 kg

As a freestyle wrestler, Romero competed at 85 kilograms, where he was the 1999 World Champion (five-time medalist at the World Championships), the 2000 Olympic Silver medalist, a three-time World Cup winner (six-time medalist), the 2003 Pan American Games Gold medalist (bronze medalist in 1999) and a five-time Pan American Champion.[7][8]

Wrestling career

edit

Romero started training in wrestling in the 1990s,[9] eventually representing Cuba at senior level in the FILA Wrestling World Championships, which is held in non-Olympic years, from 1997 to 2005. At the 1999 World Wrestling Championships Romero became world champion by defeating the 1996 Olympic gold medalist, Khadzhimurad Magomedov of Russia.[10] He missed out on becoming world champion again in 2002. After landing a three-point throw against Adam Saitiev to take a 3–2 lead, Romero was penalized a point for passivity with 20 seconds remaining. In overtime, after a scramble that saw Romero end on top, it was judged Saitiev had scored in the interim.[11]

Romero competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics and the 2004 Summer Olympics, representing his home nation of Cuba. He won the silver medal in the 2000 freestyle competition, losing to Adam Saitiev in the finals.[12][8] He finished in fourth place in 2004. While competing in freestyle wrestling, Romero has defeated three Olympic gold medal winners, and five different world champions.[13] Among them were Americans Cael Sanderson and Les Gutches, both of whom Romero has multiple victories over.[13]

Romero medaled in five world championships, only missing out with his fifth-place finish in 1997, and a sixth-place finish in 2003, when he was battling injuries. Other notable achievements include a gold medal at the 2003 Pan American Games, a quadrennial competition held the year before the Olympics, as well as multiple medal-winning finishes at the FILA Wrestling World Cup. Romero competed infrequently after 2005: he was suspended for all of 2006 by the Cuban Wrestling Federation for allegedly throwing his match against Mindorashvili at the 2005 World Championships. After winning the Grand Prix of Germany in the summer of 2007, he did not return to Cuba, choosing instead to remain in Germany.[14]

Romero then joined the Ringer-Bundesliga, a professional wrestling league in Germany, in which teams compete for team titles. Romero competed as a starting member of SV Johannis Nuremberg, as well as helping coach and train the team. Eventually he began to transition into MMA.[14]

Mixed martial arts career

edit

Early career

edit

After defecting to Germany in 2007,[15] Romero made his professional mixed martial arts debut in December 2009. From 2008 to 2011, Romero was trained by Serge Kuftin (combat sambo & MMA coach) and Zike Simic (kickboxing coach), both of whom were from Peter Althof's "Martial Arts Gym Nürnberg". Over the three years, Romero amassed a record of 5–0 in various promotions in Germany and Poland.[citation needed]

Romero won his debut via TKO against Sascha Weinpolter. In his second bout, he scored a 62-second finish via TKO against Ricky Pulu. He then took on Polish standout Michał Fijałka in his third bout.[16] Romero won in the third round via TKO, which was at first ruled a controversial disqualification, due to a knee on the ground thrown by Romero.[17] In 2011, he won his next three fights via TKO in the first round.[citation needed]

Strikeforce

edit

Romero signed with Strikeforce in July 2011 and made his promotional debut against Rafael Cavalcante on September 10, 2011, at Strikeforce 36.[18] He lost the fight via KO in the second round. A neck injury kept him out of action until 2013.[19]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

edit

2013

edit

After Strikeforce was purchased and absorbed by the UFC, Romero made his promotional and middleweight debut against Clifford Starks on April 20, 2013, at UFC on Fox 7.[20] He won the fight via flying knee knockout in the first round. This win earned him Knockout of the Night honors.[21][22][23]

Romero was expected to face Derek Brunson on August 31, 2013, at UFC 164.[24] However, Brunson suffered an injury and pulled out of the bout. Promotional newcomer Brian Houston was briefly linked as a replacement, however Houston was not medically cleared to compete at the event and the bout was canceled.[25] In his second UFC bout, Romero faced Ronny Markes on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31.[26] He won the fight via knockout in the third round.[27][28]

2014

edit

For his third fight, Romero was again set to face Derek Brunson on January 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 35.[29] After trailing for two rounds, Romero won the fight in the third via TKO due to punches and elbows to Brunson's body. Both fighters earned a $50,000 a Fight of the Night bonus award.[30]

In his fourth fight, Romero faced Brad Tavares at UFC on Fox 11.[31] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Romero faced Tim Kennedy on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.[32] He won the fight via TKO in the third round, giving Kennedy his first stoppage loss in thirteen years. This fight generated much controversy: Romero was hurt badly at the end of round 2, and received extra time to recover between rounds. UFC color commentator Joe Rogan mistakenly blamed this on Romero's cornermen for failing to leave the Octagon on time, when the blame was actually on a UFC Cutman who applied too much Vaseline to a cut and referee John McCarthy for allowing Romero to stay sitting while trying to get the cutman to return to the octagon to wipe the excess off.[33] Later it was also noticed that Kennedy was illegally holding Romero's glove while striking him at end of round 2.[34]

The win earned Romero his second Fight of the Night bonus award.[35]

2015

edit

Romero was expected to face Ronaldo Souza on February 28, 2015, at UFC 184.[36] However, Souza pulled out of the fight on January 15, 2015, due to pneumonia.[37] The bout was rescheduled for April 18, 2015, at UFC on Fox 15.[38] However, Romero was forced out of the fight by a ligament and meniscus tear in his knee. He was replaced by Chris Camozzi.[39]

Romero faced former light heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida on June 27, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 70.[40] This was the first UFC event, headlining Romero in the main event. He knocked out Machida at 1:38 of the third round with a series of elbows from top position.[41] Romero was awarded a "Performance of the Night" bonus.[42]

The bout with Ronaldo Souza was scheduled for a third time, eventually taking place on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194.[43] Romero won the fight via split decision.[44] 2 of 17 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Romero.[45]

2016

edit

Romero faced former middleweight champion Chris Weidman on November 12, 2016, at UFC 205.[46] He won the fight via knockout in the third round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[47][48] It was announced that Romero was next-in-line for a title shot, after owning an 8-match winning streak.

2017

edit

With middleweight champion Michael Bisping sidelined due to injury, Romero fought Robert Whittaker on July 8, 2017, at UFC 213 for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship.[49] Romero lost the fight by unanimous decision.[50]

2018

edit

Romero was scheduled to face David Branch on February 24, 2018, at UFC on Fox 28.[51] However, on January 13, 2018, it was reported that Whittaker had pulled out of his bout against Luke Rockhold, which was scheduled to take place at UFC 221, due to an undisclosed injury. It was announced he would be replaced by Romero in what was to be a fight for the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. The winner of this bout would then face Whittaker in a unification bout.[52] At the weigh-ins, Romero came in at 188.3 lbs in his first attempt. He was given another two hours to make 185 lbs but failed to make weight, ending up 2.7 pounds over the middleweight limit of 185 lbs. As a result, Romero would not have been eligible for the interim championship had he won the fight. Romero was fined 30% of his purse, which was awarded to Rockhold. If Rockhold were to win, he would still be awarded the championship. Romero won the fight via KO in the third round. Romero knocked Rockhold down with a heavy overhand followed up with a punch on the ground that rendered Rockhold unconscious.[53]

A rematch with Whittaker took place on June 9, 2018, at UFC 225.[54] At the weight-ins, Romero missed weight, coming in at 186 pounds, 1 pound over the middleweight limit for a title fight. Romero was given additional time to make weight but was pulled by the commission, weighing in at 185.2 lbs, 0.2 pounds over. Romero was fined 20% of his fight purse and the fight proceeded as a non-title catchweight bout.[55][56] Romero lost the back-and-forth fight by a close split decision. The fight was awarded as Fight of the Night, but due to Romero missing weight, Whittaker received both $50,000 bonuses for a total of $100,000.[57]

2019

edit

Romero was scheduled to face Paulo Costa on November 3, 2018, at UFC 230.[58] However, Romero indicated in mid-August that while he has been cleared to fight, his doctors have recommended that he wait another four to five months (early 2019) to allow facial injuries incurred during his most recent fight to fully heal.[59]

Romero was scheduled to face Ronaldo Souza on April 27, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 150.[60] However, it was reported that Romero pulled out of the bout in early in April 2019 due to illness and was replaced by Jack Hermansson.[61]

Romero faced Paulo Costa on August 17, 2019, at UFC 241.[62] After trailing for the first two rounds, he dominated the third round in one of the greatest 3-round fights in the history of the UFC. As he fell back in the numbers, he lost the fight via unanimous decision.[63] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[64]

2020

edit

Romero next faced Israel Adesanya on March 7, 2020 UFC 248 for the UFC middleweight title.[65] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[66] Many fans and pundits felt disappointed due to the low activity by both fighters, which resulted in a largely uneventful fight in which neither fighter was able to deliver any significant offense.[67]

Romero was scheduled to face Uriah Hall on August 22, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 15.[68] However, Romero pulled out of the fight on August 11 for undisclosed reasons.[69] The bout was subsequently cancelled.[70]

On December 4, Romero announced his departure from the UFC and became a free agent.[71]

Bellator MMA

edit

On December 14, 2020, it was announced that Romero had agreed to a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA and was expected to compete in its light heavyweight division beginning in 2021.[72]

On February 9, 2021, it was announced that Romero would be participating in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament. He was scheduled to face Anthony Johnson in the quarterfinal round at Bellator 257 on April 16.[73] On March 26, it was announced that the bout would be moved to Bellator 258 on May 7.[74] On April 29, it was announced that Yoel had failed his medicals due to an eye issue and the bout was pulled from the card, and the Grand Prix Tournament, being replaced by Jose Augusto.[75]

Romero made his Bellator debut on September 18, 2021, at Bellator 266 against Phil Davis.[76] He lost the bout via split decision.[77]

Romero was scheduled to fight Melvin Manhoef on May 6, 2022, at Bellator 280.[78] However, Manhoef withdrew from the bout due to a hand injury while stopping burglars and was replaced by Alex Polizzi.[79] Yoel won the bout via TKO in the final seconds of the third round.[80]

The bout against Melvin Manhoef was rescheduled this time for September 23, 2022, at Bellator 285.[81] Romero won the bout by knockout on the ground via elbows in the third round.[82]

Romero was scheduled to face Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship on February 4, 2023, at Bellator 290.[83] However, Nemkov was forced to withdraw due to undisclosed reason and the bout was scrapped.[84]

Romero faced Vadim Nemkov for the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship on June 16, 2023, at Bellator 297.[85] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[86]

Romero faced Thiago Santos on February 24, 2024, at PFL vs. Bellator.[87] He won the bout by unanimous decision.[88]

Grappling career

edit

Romero competed against future UFC Heavyweight fighter Chris Barnett in a submission grappling match hosted by Dean Toole Promotions on June 15, 2019. Despite giving up a weight advantage to his opponent, Romero outwrestled Barnett before taking top position and submitting him with a kimura at 3:50 of the match.[89]

Romero will compete against Owen Livesey in an openweight match at Polaris 28 on June 15, 2024.[90]

Training

edit

Romero trains in Coconut Creek, Florida, with the American Top Team, with fellow fighters including Robbie Lawler, Thiago Alves, Thiago Silva and Glover Teixeira.

Fighting style

edit

Romero is left-handed and primarily fights out of the southpaw stance, although he sometimes switches to an orthodox stance during fights. In spite of his amateur wrestling pedigree, Romero rarely uses his wrestling offensively inside the Octagon.[91][92] Instead, Romero's boxing is typically considered his best skill, with the majority of his victories coming by way of knockout or technical knockout via punches.[93] Many pundits cite Romero's pull-back left-handed counter as his most dangerous strike.[93][94]

Tainted supplements lawsuit

edit

Romero was informed of a potential doping violation stemming from an out-of-competition test conducted by USADA on January 13, 2016[95] after his bout with Ronaldo Souza on December 12, 2015, at UFC 194,[43] which Romero won via split decision.[44] On February 8, Romero and his manager explained that he had taken a supplement after his fight that turned out to be contaminated. His team and USADA both sent out the supplement for testing and it was confirmed that it contained a banned substance. That substance was not listed on the label, his manager said. They did not want to reveal the name of the supplement or the substance as USADA was investigating the issue.[96] On March 23, it was announced that Romero would appeal his suspension. His team and USADA discussed a deal for a nine-month suspension for the fighter, but Romero preferred to go to arbitration. The typical USADA anti-doping violation suspension is two years.[97] Eventually, on April 4, both parties reached an agreement for a six-month suspension. USADA revealed that Romero had tested positive for ibutamoren, a growth hormone release stimulator. An unopened version of the supplement was independently tested and the banned substance did indeed come up, even though it was not listed on the label. The result of the Souza fight was not overturned, as it was an out-of-competition test that occurred after the fight; Romero passed both his pre-fight and fight night tests for the Souza fight.[98][99]

Romero pursued legal action against the supplement company, but they never interposed an answer. After being awarded default judgment, Romero was awarded $27 million in damages: $3 million for lost wages, $3 million for reputable harm, and $3 million for emotional damage, all of which were tripled as allowed by the New Jersey “Consumer Fraud Act” when a company is “found out to have committed consumer fraud”.[100] However, in mid-2021 it was reported that New Jersey Superior Court reduced the damage awards for lost wages and emotional stress to total of $12.45 million.[101] The reputational damages will be decided in another trial meeting.[101]

Championships and accomplishments

edit

Mixed martial arts

edit

Mixed martial arts record

edit
Professional record breakdown
23 matches 16 wins 7 losses
By knockout 13 1
By decision 3 6
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 16–7 Thiago Santos Decision (unanimous) PFL vs. Bellator February 24, 2024 3 5:00 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Loss 15–7 Vadim Nemkov Decision (unanimous) Bellator 297 June 16, 2023 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States For the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 15–6 Melvin Manhoef KO (elbows) Bellator 285 September 23, 2022 3 3:34 Dublin, Ireland
Win 14–6 Alex Polizzi TKO (punches) Bellator 280 May 6, 2022 3 4:59 Paris, France
Loss 13–6 Phil Davis Decision (split) Bellator 266 September 18, 2021 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Return to Light Heavyweight.
Loss 13–5 Israel Adesanya Decision (unanimous) UFC 248 March 7, 2020 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Loss 13–4 Paulo Costa Decision (unanimous) UFC 241 August 17, 2019 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 13–3 Robert Whittaker Decision (split) UFC 225 June 9, 2018 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Non-title bout; Romero missed weight (185.2 lbs). Fight of the Night.
Win 13–2 Luke Rockhold KO (punches) UFC 221 February 11, 2018 3 1:48 Perth, Australia For the interim UFC Middleweight Championship; Romero missed weight (187.7 lbs) and was ineligible for the title.
Loss 12–2 Robert Whittaker Decision (unanimous) UFC 213 July 8, 2017 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the interim UFC Middleweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 12–1 Chris Weidman KO (flying knee) UFC 205 November 12, 2016 3 0:24 New York City, New York, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 11–1 Ronaldo Souza Decision (split) UFC 194 December 12, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 10–1 Lyoto Machida KO (elbows) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Romero June 27, 2015 3 1:38 Hollywood, Florida, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 9–1 Tim Kennedy TKO (punches) UFC 178 September 27, 2014 3 0:58 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 8–1 Brad Tavares Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Werdum vs. Browne April 19, 2014 3 5:00 Orlando, Florida, United States
Win 7–1 Derek Brunson TKO (punches and elbows) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou January 15, 2014 3 3:23 Duluth, Georgia, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 6–1 Ronny Markes KO (punches) UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 November 6, 2013 3 1:39 Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States
Win 5–1 Clifford Starks KO (flying knee and punches) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Melendez April 20, 2013 1 1:32 San Jose, California, United States Middleweight debut. Knockout of the Night.
Loss 4–1 Rafael Cavalcante KO (punches) Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov September 10, 2011 2 4:51 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Win 4–0 Laszlo Eck KO (punch) Fight of the Night 2011 May 27, 2011 1 0:33 Greding, Germany
Win 3–0 Ņikita Petrovs TKO (retirement) SFC 3: MMA Fight Night March 5, 2011 1 2:58 Giessen, Germany
Win 2–0 Michał Fijałka TKO (retirement) IFF: The Eternal Struggle October 8, 2010 3 4:05 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland
Win 1–0 Sascha Weinpolter TKO (punches) Fight of the Night 2009 December 20, 2009 1 0:48 Nuremberg, Germany Light Heavyweight debut.

[106]

Pay-per-view bouts

edit
No. Event Fight Date Venue City PPV buys
1. UFC 213 Romero vs. Whittaker July 8, 2017 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada, United States 150,000[107]
2. UFC 221 Romero vs. Rockhold February 11, 2018 Perth Arena Perth, Australia 130,000[108]
3. UFC 225 Whittaker vs. Romero 2 June 9, 2018 United Center Chicago, Illinois, United States 250,000[109]
4. UFC 248 Adesanya vs. Romero March 7, 2020 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada, United States Not Disclosed[110]

Freestyle record

edit
World Championships & Olympic Games Matches
Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event Location
2005 World Championships   at 84kg
Loss 33–11   Revaz Mindorashvili 0–1, 1–1, 0–5 September 26 - October 2, 2005 2005 World Wrestling Championships   Budapest, Hungary
Win 33–10   Taras Danko 3–1, 1–0
Win 32–10   Soslan Gattsiev 1–0, 2–0
Win 31–10   Radosław Horbik 1–0, 2–0
Win 30–10   Abraham Vasallo 4–0, 3–0
2004 Olympics 4th at 84kg
Loss 29–10   Sazhid Sazhidov 3–5 August 27–28, 2004 2004 Summer Olympics   Athens, Greece
Loss 29–9   Cael Sanderson 2–3
Win 29–8   Lazaros Loizidis 3–1
Win 28–8   Davyd Bichinashvili 3–0
Win 27–8   Jeffrey Cobb Tech. Fall
2003 World Championships 6th at 84kg
Loss 26–8   Sazhid Sazhidov 0–3 September 12–14, 2003 2003 World Wrestling Championships   New York, New York
Loss 26–7   Mogamed Ibragimov 0–3
Win 26–6   Thomas Bucheli 9–0
Win 25–6   Marcin Jurecki 6–5
2002 World Championships   at 84kg
Loss 24–6   Adam Saitiev 3–4 September 5–6, 2002 2002 World Wrestling Championships   Tehran, Iran
Win 24–5   Majid Khodaei 3–0
Win 23–5   Revaz Mindorashvili 3–2
Win 22–5   Katsutoshi Senba Fall
Win 21–5   Gabor Kapuvari 4–0
2001 World Championships   at 85kg
Win 20–5   Beibulat Musaev 3–0 November 23–25, 2001 2001 World Wrestling Championships   Sofia, Bulgaria
Loss 19–5   Khadzhimurad Magomedov 1–3
Win 19–4   Andre Backhaus 5–0
Win 18–4   Marcin Jurecki 4–1
Win 17–4   Mahmed Aghaev 5–0
2000 Olympics   at 85kg
Loss 16–4   Adam Saitiev Fall September 29 - October 1, 2000 2000 Summer Olympics   Sydney, Australia
Win 16–3   Amir Reza Khadem 3–0
Win 15–3   Justin Abdou 8–0
Win 14–3   Igors Samušonoks 3–0
Win 13–3   Magomed Kurugliyev 4–0
1999 World Championships   at 85kg
Win 12–3   Khadzhimurad Magomedov 4–2 October 8–10, 1999 1999 World Wrestling Championships   Ankara, Turkey
Win 11–3   Ali Oezen 3–2
Win 10–3   Magomed Kurugliyev 3–0
Win 9–3   Vitali Gizoev 7–0
Win 8–3   Andre Backhaus 8–4
Win 7–3   Abbas Majidi 4–0
1998 World Championships   at 85kg
Win 6–3   Khadzhimurad Magomedov 3–2 September 9–11, 1998 1998 World Wrestling Championships   Tehran, Iran
Win 5–3   Michal Stanislawski 5–1
Loss 4–3   Alireza Heidari 1–2
Win 4–2   Gabor Kapuvari 5–0
Win 3–2   Plamen Paskalev 5–0
1997 World Championships 5th at 85kg
Loss 2–2   Soslan Fraev 1–3 August 29–31, 1997 1997 World Wrestling Championships   Krasnojarsk, Russia
Loss 2–1   Eldar Assanov 1–3
Win 2–0   Igors Samušonoks 3–1
Win 1–0   Gari Modosyan 4–0

Submission grappling record

edit
1 Matches, 1 Wins, 0 Losses, 0 Draws
Result Rec. Opponent Method Event Date Division Location
Win 1-0   Chris Barnett Submission (Kimura) Dean Toole Promotions June 15, 2019 Openweight   Pensacola, Florida

[111]

Personal life

edit

Romero describes himself as a Christian and "a man of God" whose hero is Jesus Christ.[112] His younger brother, Yoan Pablo Hernández, was the IBF Cruiserweight Champion in professional boxing.[113]

Romero and his wife have one daughter, he also has two daughters and a son in Cuba.[114]

In a controversial post-fight interview after his victory over Lyoto Machida at UFC Fight Night 70, it was assumed by many that Romero was expressing disagreement with the Obergefell v. Hodges supreme court ruling. However, during the post fight press conference and subsequent interviews the following day, Romero denied referring to gay marriage and apologized for his comments while maintaining that they were misunderstood. Many thought Romero said "No for gay Jesus" while he actually said "No forget Jesus" as he is not fluent in English.[115]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "ESPN Profile: Yoel Romero".
  2. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
  3. ^ "Yoel Romero - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  4. ^ "Yoel Romero ("Soldier of God") | MMA Fighter Page". Tapology. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  5. ^ "Sources: Healthy Romero to make Bellator debut". ESPN. 2021-08-13. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  6. ^ Taylor, Tom. "Yoel Romero Opens Up on Leaving UFC and New Lease on Life in Bellator". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  7. ^ Gallo, Ed (2019-08-16). "Wrestling for MMA: Yoel Romero". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
  8. ^ a b "Yoel ROMERO". Olympics.com. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  9. ^ McCarter, Nathan. "Yoel Romero: A Timeline of the UFC's Greatest Athlete to Never Win Gold". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  10. ^ "Neal wins gold medal; McIlravy wins silver medal; Gutches wins bronze medal at World Freestyle Wrestling Championships in Ankara, Turkey, Oct. 10; The United States places second behind Russia in team standings". 1999-11-28. Archived from the original on 1999-11-28. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  11. ^ "RESULTS OF THE JUNIOR GR-FS ASIAN WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS". Archived from the original on 5 October 2002. Retrieved 2021-10-04.
  12. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Yoel Romero". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 2020-04-18. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
  13. ^ a b "UFC Fight Night 35 Factgrinder: The Wrestling Career of Yoel Romero". bloodyelbow.com. January 15, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Singh, Abhilasha (1 May 2022). "The Scariest Fighter Alive: Magnificent Journey of Yoel Romero to UFC". essentiallysports.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  15. ^ "Die Wochen der Wahrheit – Doppelkampftag steht an" (in German). www.ringen.de. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  16. ^ "Yoel Romero Palacio vs. Michał Fijałka". groundandpound.de. October 5, 2010. Archived from the original on September 26, 2010. Retrieved October 5, 2010. (in German)
  17. ^ "IFF "Michał Fijałka vs Yoel Romero" – przeżyjmy to jeszcze raz". mmanews.pl. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  18. ^ "Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Yoel Romero slotted for September 10 Strikeforce event". mmajunkie.com. 2011-07-21. Archived from the original on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  19. ^ Burke, Tim (12 September 2011). "Rafael 'Feijao' Cavalcante Broke His Arm in Strikeforce Win Over Yoel Romero". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  20. ^ "Yoel Romero vs Clifford Starks set for UFC on FOX 7". bloodyelbow.com. January 23, 2013.
  21. ^ "UFC on FOX 7 bonuses: Brown, Mein, Romero, Thomson earn $50,000". MMAjunkie.com. 2013-04-20. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  22. ^ "YOEL ROMERO VS CLIFFORD STARKS". MMA Junkie.
  23. ^ "Starks VS Romero". ESPN.
  24. ^ "UFC 164 Gains Derek Brunson vs. Yoel Romero". mmaweekly.com. 2013-06-17. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  25. ^ "UFC 164 loses Yoel Romero vs. Brian Houston, card finalized with 12 bouts". mmajunkie.com. 2013-08-14. Retrieved 2013-08-14.
  26. ^ Penick, Jamie (2013-08-23). "UFC Fight for the Troops card adds Yoel Romero vs. Ronny Markes". mmatorch.com. Retrieved 2013-08-23.
  27. ^ "UFC Fight Night 35: What We Learned from Derek Brunson vs. Yoel Romero". Bleacher Report.
  28. ^ "Romero VS Brunson". UFC.
  29. ^ "UFC Fight Night 35 adds Yoel Romero vs. Derek Brunson". mmajunkie.com. 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2013-11-26.
  30. ^ ""UFC Fight Night 35 Bonuses: Rockhold, Miller, Romero, Brunson Earn $50K Awards", by Mike Whitman, Sherdog.com". Sherdog.
  31. ^ "#UFCFightNight in Orlando bout update! @bambamhealy vs @GamebredFighter and @BradTavares vs @YoelRomeroMMA. Tix on sale next Friday". UFC News. 2014-02-04. Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  32. ^ Simon, Zane (2014-07-08). "Tim Kennedy vs. Yoel Romero slated for UFC 178 in Las Vegas". bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on 2018-01-25. Retrieved 2014-07-08.
  33. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (30 September 2014). "Coach: Yoel Romero wasn't out between rounds at UFC 178, believes top 5 opponent should be next". mmafighting.netblogpro.com. Retrieved 21 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Romero: Kennedy cheated before 'Stoolgate' mess". SB Nation (MMAfighting.com). 20 December 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  35. ^ Erickson, Matt (2014-09-28). "UFC 178 bonuses: McGregor, Cruz, Romero, Kennedy earn $50,000". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-28.
  36. ^ Martin, Brian (2014-11-13). "UFC 184: Jacare Souza vs. Yoel Romero added to Staples Center card". dailynews.com. Retrieved 2014-11-13.
  37. ^ Gerbasi, Thomas (2015-01-15). "Souza-Romero scratched from UFC 184". UFC.com.
  38. ^ Erickson, Matt (February 11, 2015). "Yoel Romero vs. 'Jacare' Souza re-booked for UFC on FOX 15 co-main event". MMAjunkie.com.
  39. ^ Thomas, Luke (April 10, 2015). "Yoel Romero injured, out of UFC on FOX 15 bout opposite Jacare Souza". MMAfighting.com.
  40. ^ Cruz, Guilherme (2015-05-15). "Lyoto Machida vs. Yoel Romero set as new main event for TUF Brazil: 4 Finale in Miami". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-05-15.
  41. ^ "UFC Fight Night Results: 'Machida vs. Romero' Play-by-Play & Updates". Sherdog.com. 27 June 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  42. ^ "UFC Fight Night 70 bonuses: Yoel Romero's elbows bring him $50,000". MMAJunkie.com. 27 June 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  43. ^ a b "'Jacare' Souza vs. Yoel Romero rebooked for UFC 194 in Las Vegas". sherdog.com. 2015-08-17. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
  44. ^ a b Brookhouse, Bren (2015-12-12). "UFC 194 results: Yoel Romero decisions Ronaldo Souza in back-and-forth battle". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-12-12.
  45. ^ "Yoel Romero def. Ronaldo Souza". MMA Decisions. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  46. ^ Morgan, John; Stupp, Dann (2016-09-15). "Ex-champ Chris Weidman vs. Yoel Romero slated for UFC 205 in New York City". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
  47. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2016-11-12). "UFC 205 results: Yoel Romero unleashes vicious knee on Chris Weidman for bloody TKO". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
  48. ^ Doyle, Dave (2016-11-13). "UFC 205 post-fight bonuses: Conor McGregor leads the pack". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved 2016-11-13.
  49. ^ Damon Martin (2017-05-23). "Yoel Romero vs. Robert Whittaker interim middleweight title fight set for UFC 213". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2017-05-23.
  50. ^ "NZ-born Robert Whittaker makes UFC history by beating Cuban Yoel Romero". Stuff. 9 July 2017. Retrieved 2017-07-09.
  51. ^ "Yoel Romero vs. David Branch on tap for UFC on FOX 28". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-12-30.
  52. ^ "UFC bombshell: Whittaker out of Rockhold defence". PerthNow. 2018-01-13. Retrieved 2018-01-13.
  53. ^ "Yoel Romero misses weight, cannot win interim title at UFC 221 (updated)". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2018-02-10.
  54. ^ Brett okamoto (2018-03-09). "UFC targets Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero title rematch in June". espn.com. Retrieved 2018-03-09.
  55. ^ Warren, Adrian (2018-06-08). "Whittaker robbed of UFC title defence as Romero fails to make weight". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2018-06-09.
  56. ^ "Champ Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero agree to non-title bout at UFC 225". MMAjunkie. 2018-06-08. Retrieved 2018-06-09.
  57. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2018-06-10). "UFC 225 bonuses: Robert Whittaker, Yoel Romero win Fight of the Night again". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2018-06-10.
  58. ^ Mark La Monica (2018-07-24). "Paulo Costa vs. Yoel Romero set for UFC 230 at Madison Square Garden". newsday.com. Retrieved 2018-07-24.
  59. ^ Ariel Helwani (2018-08-20). "Yoel Romero: Doctor says I need 4-5 months to heal before next fight". espn.com. Retrieved 2018-08-21.
  60. ^ "Romero-Souza II to headline UFC Fight Night". ESPN.com. 2019-03-08. Retrieved 2019-03-08.
  61. ^ Stefan Van Erp (4 April 2019). "Yoel Romero felled by pneumonia, fight with Jacare canceled". mmadna.com. Retrieved 2019-04-04.
  62. ^ Jesse Holland (2019-05-07). "Yoel Romero vs Paulo Costa rebooked for UFC 241 in Anaheim". mmmania.com. Retrieved 2019-05-08.
  63. ^ Anderson, Jay (2019-08-17). "UFC 241 Results: Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa Slug It Out in Barn-Burner". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  64. ^ a b Haynes, Stephie (2019-08-18). "UFC 241 post-fight bonuses: Romero-Costa war nabs FOTN honors". Bloody Elbow. Archived from the original on 2023-02-12. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  65. ^ "Israel Adesanya defends middleweight title against Yoel Romero at UFC 248". MMA Junkie. 2020-01-17. Retrieved 2020-01-17.
  66. ^ "UFC 248 results: Israel Adesanya keeps title in bizarre win over Yoel Romero". MMA Junkie. 2020-03-08. Retrieved 2020-03-08.
  67. ^ Henry McKenna (2020-03-08). "UFC 248: Dana White calls out 'terrible' fighter for unimpressive main event". ftw.com. Retrieved 2020-08-04.
  68. ^ DNA, MMA (2020-08-05). "Yoel Romero vs. Uriah Hall toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 22 augustus". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2020-08-06.
  69. ^ Staff (2020-08-11). "Yoel Romero will not be fighting Uriah Hall on August 22nd2" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  70. ^ Redatie (2020-08-13). "No replacement Romero, Waterson vs. Hill canceled and OSP's new opponent on August 22" (in Dutch). mmadna.com. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  71. ^ Tim Burke (2020-12-04). "Yoel Romero no longer under contract with UFC". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
  72. ^ Ariel Helwani (December 14, 2020). "Sources: Yoel Romero agrees to multifight deal with Bellator". ESPN. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  73. ^ Simon Somano (February 9, 2021). "Bellator announces 8-man light heavyweight grand prix featuring 'Rumble' vs. Romero". MMA Junkie. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  74. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (26 March 2021). "Anthony Johnson vs. Yoel Romero moved to Bellator 258 amid light heavyweight grand prix schedule shift". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  75. ^ "Yoel Romero out of Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix after failing pre-fight medical screening". CBSSports.com. 30 April 2021. Retrieved 2021-04-30.
  76. ^ Helwani, Ariel (13 August 2021). "Yoel Romero's Bellator debut is set (again)". arielhelwani.substack.com. Retrieved 2021-08-13.
  77. ^ Law, Eddie (2021-09-19). "Bellator 266 Results: Phil Davis Dominates Yoel Romero Earns Split Decision". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-09-19.
  78. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2022-02-10). "Yoel Romero vs. Melvin Manhoef announced for Bellator Paris co-main event". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-02-10.
  79. ^ "Yoel Romero meets Alex Polizzi at Bellator 280 following Melvin Manhoef withdrawal". MMA Junkie. 2022-04-30. Retrieved 2022-04-30.
  80. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-05-06). "Bellator 280: Last Second TKO of Alex Polizzi Secures Yoel Romero's First Bellator Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  81. ^ "Bellator Dublin | Manhoef vs. Romero opnieuw ingepland, ditmaal op 23 september". Eurosport (in Dutch). 2022-02-10. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
  82. ^ Danny Segura (2022-09-23). "Bellator 285 results: Yoel Romero smashes Melvin Manhoef in knockout win, calls for title shot". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2022-09-23.
  83. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2022-11-18). "Yoel Romero to fight Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson 2 winner at Bellator 290". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  84. ^ Brett Okamoto (2022-12-27). "Middleweight Johnny Eblen to defend title at Bellator 290". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2022-12-27.
  85. ^ Martin, Damon (2023-03-27). "Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero, Sergio Pettis vs. Patricio Pitbull headlines Bellator 297". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  86. ^ "Bellator 297 results: Vadim Nemkov dominates inactive Yoel Romero to defend title". MMA Junkie. 2023-06-17. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  87. ^ "Latest PFL vs. Bellator 'Seize the Throne' fight card, rumors for Saudi Arabia event". mmamania.com. 24 January 2024.
  88. ^ Dewar, Val (2024-02-24). "PFL vs Bellator: Yoel Romero Scrapes Past Thiago Santos in Slow-Paced Bout". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  89. ^ "Chris Barnett vs. Yoel Romero, Dean Toole Promotions | Grappling Bout".
  90. ^ Blackett, Todd (10 May 2024). "Yoel Romero Set To Face Owen Livesey At Polaris 28". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  91. ^ "Why doesn't Yoel Romero use his wrestling?". Reddit. 29 September 2019.
  92. ^ "Why Yoel Romero doesn't use his wrestling".
  93. ^ a b "He still has significant striking power". ESPN. 6 February 2018.
  94. ^ "Yoel Romero Scores Victory over Luke Rockhold Via TKO at UFC 221". Bleacher Report.
  95. ^ "UFC statement on Yoel Romero". ufc.com. 2016-01-13. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  96. ^ Raimondi, Marc (2016-02-08). "Manager: Contaminated supplement led to Yoel Romero's failed drug test". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  97. ^ Raimondi, Marc (2016-03-23). "Yoel Romero to appeal USADA suspension for anti-doping policy violation". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-03-23.
  98. ^ Raimondi, Marc (2016-04-04). "Yoel Romero gets six-month suspension from USADA for failing drug test due to contaminated supplement". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2016-04-04.
  99. ^ Raimondi, Marc (2016-02-08). "Manager: Contaminated supplement led to Yoel Romero's failed drug test". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
  100. ^ "UFC's Yoel Romero wins tainted supplement lawsuit, awarded $27 million in damages". Retrieved 2019-05-05.
  101. ^ a b Alexander K. Lee (June 24, 2021). "Yoel Romero sees $27 million award reduced in tainted supplement lawsuit update". mmafighting.com.
  102. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (January 5, 2019). "THE TEN BEST FIGHTS OF 2018". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  103. ^ a b c d "UFC Middleweight - Stats". UFC.com. April 8, 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-08.
  104. ^ DNA, MMA (18 January 2019). "MMA DNA UFC Awards 2018 : De Uitslagen!!!". Retrieved 2019-01-28.
  105. ^ "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for August: Middleweights meet expectations". mmajunkie.com. September 2, 2019.
  106. ^ Sherdog.com. "Yoel". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-08-18.
  107. ^ "UFC 213: Romero vs. Whittaker | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  108. ^ "UFC 221: Romero vs. Rockhold | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  109. ^ "UFC 225: Whittaker vs. Romero 2 | MMA Event". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  110. ^ "UFC 248: Adesanya vs. Romero | MMA Event". Tapology.
  111. ^ Ryan Harkness (June 16, 2019). "Romero subs, Pettis and Masvidal draw in charity grappling fights". mmamania.com.
  112. ^ See, e.g., Yoel Romero Interview, fightgeeks.com (2014-04-22); UFC Fight Night 35's Yoel Romero: By the Grace of God Archived 2020-02-15 at the Wayback Machine, Themmacorner.com (2014-01-06); New UFC Fighter a Knockout Archived 2014-10-06 at the Wayback Machine, FitnessRX for Men (2013-11-05). All sources accessed 2016-11-12.
  113. ^ UFC's Yoel Romero: Ready For Next Step at Middleweight Archived 2017-08-01 at the Wayback Machine. Themmacorner.com (2013-11-01). Retrieved on 2016-11-12.
  114. ^ "Yoel Romero Fighting for Family, Not Worried About Opponent". espn.com. 6 July 2017.
  115. ^ Okamoto, Brett (2015-06-28). "Yoel Romero apologizes but denies making anti-gay remark after KO win". ESPN. Retrieved 2015-06-28.
edit

  Media related to Yoel Romero at Wikimedia Commons

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yoel_Romero&oldid=1257757892"